Foreign ocean carriers were found to be leaving congested U.S. ports emptyhanded in 2021 and 2022, amid a massive supply chain gridlock. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) was established to solder the sea supply chain back together, but more needs to be done inland, according to some legislators.
Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Jim Costa (D-Ca.) on Tuesday introduced the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act to expand the trucking workforce and offer flexibility in times of need.
Read more: New CDL Requirements Could Cost You Up to $8,500 and Weeks of Training
“Disruptions in our trucking supply chain continue to drive up costs and create uncertainty for American consumers and producers,” said Costa. “We need to recruit, train, and retain truck drivers to keep our supply chain moving.”
What’s in it for Ag
According to the Shippers Coalition press release, passage of the SHIP IT Act will “improve the supply chain and keep costs down for consumers” by:
1. Offering authority for certain vehicle waivers during emergencies
2. Allowing truck drivers to apply for workforce grants
3. Streamlining the CDL process
4. Assisting with truck parking difficulties
“The OSRA was needed to ease the backlog at ports and the SHIP IT Act is the natural next step to continue the important work of bolstering the nation’s supply chain,” says Sean Joyce, Shippers Coalition executive director.
21st Century Supply Chain
Michael Dykes, DVM, president and CEO of International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), echoed Joyce, saying the SHIP IT Act is a “commonsense” solution to ongoing burdens.
“The legislation would bring the U.S. supply chain into the 21st century to meet the needs of shippers, reduce regulatory burdens that cost shippers millions of dollars a year, create good paying jobs, and support the ambitious sustainability goals of dairy businesses,” says Dykes.
According to the bill, eligible truck drivers would be granted funds to cover CDL cost, including course materials, supplies, fees for graduation, licenses and certification. Established drivers would also be granted a $7,500 tax credit, while new truck drivers would be offered a $10,000 credit.
To read the full SHIP IT Act text, click here.
